This is a blog about the people, processes, thoughts, and opinions about technology from Autodesk.

October 24, 2016

Innovation Is No Joking Matter

My colleague, Bill O'Connor, and I work on Autodesk innovation efforts. For example, we are part of a team that created our Autodesk Innovation Genome. The other day, Bill shared this article from 2004 (when 3-bladed razors were cutting edge) with me. It has NSFW language, but this Onion story is very funny.

At Autodesk, we believe that an innovation is different from an invention. Not every invention is an innovation. You can't just go invent something new for the sake of inventing something. An innovation is something new or different that has significant impact. It has to make a difference to be an innovation. The Pet Rock was an invention. The iPhone was an innovation. So five blades may be catchy now but will soon be topped by the company that makes a seven blade razor. There has to be a significant benefit from the fifth blade for it to truly be an innovation.

Furthermore, at Autodesk, we also believe that innovation requires a:

Toolset — tools that can help with innovation (e.g., Autodesk Innovation Genome)

Skillset — skills that can help with innovation (e.g., digging deeper to gain true insight — the fifth blade adds no real value)

Mindset — a willingness to experiment and fascinate (e.g., shoot for breakthrough innovations instead of sticking with the status quo — the razor strip lathers)

The funny thing about an innovation mindset it that achieving it requires no time or money, because it’s free, and you can do it instantly. What it does require is tremendous amounts of three things that are more valuable than time or money and more rare:

resolve,

energy, and

courage.

Think about it: you can buy an innovation toolset; and you can hire or train for an innovation skillset; but an innovation mindset? For that, well, you have to do that one yourself. And you really have to adopt an innovation mindset, if you want real innovation. That’s the main reason why there’s so much talk about innovation and so little actual innovation: the rarity of a true innovation mindset. In his presentations on innovation, Bill leaves audiences with a final question: some food for thought. What would your career look like, your team look like, your company or your industry look like, in fact, what would your world look like if you adopted an innovation mindset? This is a great time to find out.

Comments

Innovation Is No Joking Matter

My colleague, Bill O'Connor, and I work on Autodesk innovation efforts. For example, we are part of a team that created our Autodesk Innovation Genome. The other day, Bill shared this article from 2004 (when 3-bladed razors were cutting edge) with me. It has NSFW language, but this Onion story is very funny.

At Autodesk, we believe that an innovation is different from an invention. Not every invention is an innovation. You can't just go invent something new for the sake of inventing something. An innovation is something new or different that has significant impact. It has to make a difference to be an innovation. The Pet Rock was an invention. The iPhone was an innovation. So five blades may be catchy now but will soon be topped by the company that makes a seven blade razor. There has to be a significant benefit from the fifth blade for it to truly be an innovation.

Furthermore, at Autodesk, we also believe that innovation requires a:

Toolset — tools that can help with innovation (e.g., Autodesk Innovation Genome)

Skillset — skills that can help with innovation (e.g., digging deeper to gain true insight — the fifth blade adds no real value)

Mindset — a willingness to experiment and fascinate (e.g., shoot for breakthrough innovations instead of sticking with the status quo — the razor strip lathers)

The funny thing about an innovation mindset it that achieving it requires no time or money, because it’s free, and you can do it instantly. What it does require is tremendous amounts of three things that are more valuable than time or money and more rare:

resolve,

energy, and

courage.

Think about it: you can buy an innovation toolset; and you can hire or train for an innovation skillset; but an innovation mindset? For that, well, you have to do that one yourself. And you really have to adopt an innovation mindset, if you want real innovation. That’s the main reason why there’s so much talk about innovation and so little actual innovation: the rarity of a true innovation mindset. In his presentations on innovation, Bill leaves audiences with a final question: some food for thought. What would your career look like, your team look like, your company or your industry look like, in fact, what would your world look like if you adopted an innovation mindset? This is a great time to find out.